Rather it started at 8 a.m., the moment the junior stepped foot on the Apalachee campus.

''It felt so exciting to finally be able to get out and play,'' Odie said. ''Man, the teachers couldn't keep me in my seat today I was so ready to go.''

Odie, a transfer from Mississippi, was forced to sit out last season because he moved into the school district after the first week of classes.

The wait, however agonized, paid off as he rushed for 91 yards and threw for 87 yards to lead Apalachee to a 21-0 win over Athens Christian in the season opener for both teams.

Athens Christian split end Josh Pennington (4) looks for room to run as he gets past Apalachee linebacker David Bellew (44).Jeff Blake/Staff

Odie said he worked out with the team last year, but not being able to play was very difficult on him. He spent the off-time working out and running, trying to get his body into the best shape possible.

On Friday night at Eagle Stadium, the fruits of his labor showed as he confounded the Eagles time and time again.

Just when it seemed Athens Christian had bottled up the versatile Odie, he made them pay when it mattered. He converted three third downs with his legs and another two with his arm.

''He's a good athlete, my goodness,'' Athens Christian head coach Van Beacham said. ''He was just a lot faster than anybody we've got.''

Odie wasn't the only bright spot for the Wildcats (1-0), who piled up 270 yards on the ground thanks to solid performances by Shannon Allen and Bobby Duncan. Allen finished with 84 yards on 13 carries, while Duncan tallied 71 yards on 10 carries.